Hotels in Puerto de Santiago

Puerto de Santiago is one of Tenerife’s best kept secrets. Nestled on the west coast of the island, tucked neatly between Playa de la Arena and Los Gigantes, this small fishing village is far from the bustling hub of Los Cristianos. Perfect for a laid-back holiday, Puerto de Santiago allows you to experience the best that Tenerife has to offer without the crowds and 24-hour party atmosphere seen elsewhere on the island.

Lying just off the coast of north-west Africa, Tenerife’s sun-kissed island benefits from year-round sunshine. Temperatures soar into the 30s in summer, and stay in the low 20s in winter - ensuring whenever you visit, you’re guaranteed to top up your tan and benefit from the sun’s warming rays.

One of the main attractions of Puerto de Santiago is its peace and tranquility. Whitewashed Puerto de Santiago hotels overlook the village’s small beach, a handful of restaurants and bars keep laid-back holidaymakers well fed and the village offers glorious views of the Atlantic ocean and the island of La Gomera across the water.

Expect to spend your days sunbathing on the black volcanic sand or spotting lizards darting through the cactus plants which line the pathways. By night the relaxed atmosphere continues and a handful of low-key bars and restaurants provide food and entertainment late into the evening. If you like your nightlife a little more upbeat head to Los Gigantes for livelier bars and nightclubs.

With the towns of Playa de la Arena and Los Gigantes just a short walk away, you can relax safe in the knowledge that there’s plenty of activities on offer nearby, if you can tear yourself away from the gentle pace of this Canarian haven.

Despite its small size, Puerto de Santiago has plenty of options when it comes to dining out. Everything from authentic, gourmet Canarian cuisine to takeaway pizza is on offer. For a delicious meal with a sumptuous view, head up the hill to The Fisherman’s Inn. Serving freshly cooked fish dishes on its sunny terrace overlooking the picturesque bay, their garlic king prawns are the best in the bay.

Puerto de Santiago can be found on the west coast of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. The resort is 41km from Tenerife South Airport and transfers take up to 1 hour. The 473 Los Cistianos - Los Gigantes is the main bus route for the south-west of the island. Cheap and easy to use, tickets are usually just a few euros allowing you to explore further afield.

Playa Chica

Puerto de Santiago’s only beach may be small but it’s perfectly formed. Soft black volcanic sands are surrounded on each side by dark cliffs offering shelter from the cooling trade winds. A small ladder built into the rocks allows access for swimming or just wade in from the shore.

Playa de la Arena

With just one small beach in Puerto de Santiago, most families head south to Playa de la Arena. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from most of the Puerto de Santiago hotels, and don’t let the black volcanic sands put you off. Playa de la Arena has been awarded the coveted Blue Flag award for cleanliness and water quality annually since 1989.

Lady of Carmen - Saint’s Day

Every year Puerto de Santiago celebrates Our Lady of Carmen - saint’s day. Locals flood the streets, singing, dancing and celebrating late into the night and the festivities are rounded off with a spectacular fireworks display. Though saint’s day is officially 16th July, organisers host events throughout July and August.

Los Gigantes Carnival

Boasting over 500 different fiestas, celebrations and carnivals, Tenerife is definitely an island that likes to party. The island’s carnivals are said to be second only in popularity to Brazil’s infamous street parties. That said, it’s worth checking out a carnival if one coincides with your stay. Los Gigantes hold their own four-day-long celebration one week after the main celebrations in Santa Cruz and Puerto de la Cruz - usually early March. Expect flamboyance, fun and festivities late into the night!

Whale watching

Pack your binoculars, as the warm waters between La Gomera and Puerto de Santiago are a hotspot for pilot whales and dolphins. With a little patience you can easily spot dolphins breaching and playing from the shore. For a more up close and personal experience, take a short walk to Los Gigantes and book a place on one of the many whale watching trips that leave the harbour each day.

Live music at Route 66

Live music, great cocktails and a party atmosphere are top billing at this Americana inspired bar. Highly rated by locals and holidaymakers alike, the bar draws in the crowds by booking top quality rock acts native to Tenerife. Expect acoustic rock, modern classics and a popular happy hour.

FEED FISH IN THE HARBOUR

For no more than the cost of a loaf of bread, you can enjoy the spectacle of feeding the fish in the harbour at nearby Los Gigantes. Watch large fish leap and splash as they compete for the tasty snack and kids can enjoy spotting the brightly coloured, yet more timid, tropical fish nibbling on leftover crumbs close to the harbour wall. Exotic trumpetfish and large stingrays have been spotted swimming by to see what all the fuss is about.

Fisherman’s Museum

The last remaining vestiges of Puerto de Santiago’s past are gathered in the Museo del Pescador - the Fisherman’s Museum. The once thriving port has slowly evolved into a quiet tourist destination, leaving just a few small fishing boats to carry on their ancestors’ work. Even if fishing isn’t your bag, the museum is worth a visit for the sculptures, photographs and paintings exhibited through the year.

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